Role of insulin in regulation of Na⁺-/K⁺-dependent ATPase activity and pump function in corneal endothelial cells

PURPOSE. The Na⁺-/K⁺-dependent ATPase (Na, K-ATPase) expressed in the basolateral membrane of corneal endothelial cells plays an important role in the pump function of the corneal endothelium. The role of insulin in the regulation of Na,K-ATPase activity and pump function in corneal endothelial cells was investigated. METHODS. Confluent monolayers of mouse corneal endothelial cells were exposed to insulin. ATPase activity was evaluated by spectrophotometric measurement of phosphate released from ATP with the use of ammonium molybdate; Na, K-ATPase activity was defined as the portion of total ATPase activity sensitive to ouabain. Pump function was measured with the use of a Ussing chamber; pump function attributable to Na, K-ATPase activity was defined as the portion of the total short-circuit current sensitive to ouabain. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry were performed to measure the expression of the Na,K-ATPase α₁-subunit. RESULTS. Insulin increased the Na, K-ATPase activity and pump function of cultured corneal endothelial cells. These effects were blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and protein phosphatases 1 and 2A inhibitor. Western blot analysis indicated that insulin decreased the ratio of the inactive Na, KATPase α₁-subunit. Immunocytochemistry indicated that insulin increased the cell surface expression of the Na, K-ATPase α₁-subunit. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that insulin increases the Na, K-ATPase activity and pump function of cultured corneal endothelial cells. The effect of insulin is mediated by PKC and presumably results in the activation of PP1, 2A, or both, which are essential for activating Na,K-ATPase by α₁-subunit dephosphorylation.